- ORIGINAL NEWS
Social Security Administration to expand access to certain benefits through several upcoming changes
- SUMMARY
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced new rules that aim to expand access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and increase payments for some recipients.
These changes will apply to over 7 million Americans who receive SSI, which provides financial assistance to individuals over 65, as well as adults and children who are disabled or blind and have limited income or resources.
The first rule change expands the definition of a public-assistance household to include individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments.
This change could make more people eligible for SSI and increase payments for current beneficiaries.
The second rule change simplifies the way that the SSA counts rental subsidies and food assistance when determining SSI eligibility and payment amounts.
Currently, renting at a discounted rate or receiving other rental assistance can affect a beneficiary’s SSI eligibility or monthly payment.
The new rule will make it less likely that rental assistance will impact SSI benefits.
Additionally, the SSA will no longer count food assistance toward support that beneficiaries receive from other parties, which can reduce their SSI payment amounts.
This change will reduce paperwork and administrative burdens for beneficiaries and ensure that they receive more accurate monthly payments.
These changes represent a significant step forward in improving access to SSI benefits and addressing outdated policies.
They aim to provide additional financial support to low-income individuals and families who rely on SSI to meet their basic needs.
The new rules will take effect on September 30th, 2023.
- NEWS SENTIMENT CHECK
- Overall sentiment:
positive
Positive
“The Social Security Administration is set to implement new rules to make it easier for beneficiaries to access certain benefits and increase the payments some may receive.”
“The changes, which are slated to go into effect Sept. 30, are a “positive move in the right direction,” Brown said.”
Negative
“based on Supplemental Security Income benefits have not been updated in years.”
““We already know that the benefit amounts that are available to people receiving SSI are incredibly low,” said Lydia Brown, director of public policy at the National Disability Institute.”